Tyler Casey
Tapeless

Shoot steady 30p just like a real camcorder. On a PowerPlay.

The same guy who's been strapping PowerPlays to Hi8 and MiniDV cameras for years is behind the Tapeless Mod. So even if you aren't a firmware engineer, you can record without the line bounce, at up to 30 Mbps, with looks baked right into the file. It's free, and you can flash back to stock any time.

Download the beta Where to buy a PowerPlay

Screen image not simulated: stock firmware above, Tapeless Mod below, same camera, half speed. For the original white ImmersionRC PowerPlay. A version for the black PowerPlay is in testing.

Where to buy

The PowerPlay, the mount, and the cameras and night vision gear I shoot with.

Black PowerPlay SD DVRSold new
Mod version in testing

Black PowerPlay

The newer model, sold new on Amazon. It runs different firmware, so don't flash the white-unit beta on it. I'm testing a version for it now.

Amazon ↗ 2025 version ↗
Dev Build PowerPlay hot shoe mountDev Build 3.5mm camcorder A/V cableCode TYLER
My viewers' most-bought gear

Dev Build mount + cable

Hot shoe mounts and camcorder A/V cables made for the PowerPlay. It's what's on my rigs. Use code TYLER

Shop Dev Build ↗
New to tapeless? Watch the full guide.Tape vs. Tapeless: VHS, Hi8 and MiniDV, and every recorder I've tried.

Some links on this page are affiliate links (Amazon, eBay, Dev Build). If you buy through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product photos from ImmersionRC/Orqa, AGS and Dev Build.

Version 1.0 betaFirmware for the original white ImmersionRC PowerPlay (2.0032)
Tapeless Mod

Hey, I'm Tyler. I've recorded on a PowerPlay for years, and one thing always bugged me: every frame bounces up and down a line. So I spent a few weeks inside its firmware and fixed it, then kept going.

Everything here is set from a new camcorder-style menu on the PowerPlay itself. No computer needed after the update.

Tyler Casey, November 2026

  • FRAME RATE 30P: clean progressive frames, 0.00 lines of bounce (stock: 0.84)
  • 25p from PAL cameras. 60i is still one setting away
  • BITRATE STOCK, HIGH or MAX: up to 30 Mbps at 60i and 15 Mbps at 30p (stock: about 8)
  • LOOK STANDARD, CLEAN, VIVID or FLAT, baked into the file
  • Cleaner colour: less rainbow shimmer on sharp edges
  • Handycam-style menu with colour themes
  • Wheel shortcuts with on-screen pop-ups
  • REC KEY: tap the power button to record
  • Sony-style live view: battery, STBY / REC, counter
  • Your own power-on screen, made with the included tool
  • Files tagged 4:3, so editors stop squishing them
  • Settings remembered after power-off

Operating Instructions

Installing the Tapeless Mod 1.0 beta

Tapeless Mod 1.0 beta

Original white ImmersionRC PowerPlay · firmware 2.0032 · 2.3 MB

Download .zip
  1. Format a microSD cardIn the PowerPlay, or as FAT32 on your computer.
  2. Copy powerplay.bin to the cardPut it in the root of the card. No folders, and don't rename it.
  3. Insert the card and power onThe update screen comes up. Don't touch anything until it restarts or goes dark.
  4. Delete powerplay.bin from the cardOtherwise it flashes again on the next boot.
  5. Power on and check the versionMENU > VERSION should say 1.0 BETA. Updating resets settings, so set the clock again if you use it.
Caution

White unit only, battery fully charged. Running out of power mid-update is the one real way to brick it.

Beta notes

  • 30p keeps one field per frame, so it has half the vertical detail of 60i. That's the trade for zero shake.
  • To go back to stock, download the official firmware from ImmersionRC's PowerPlay page and flash it the same way.
  • Also in the zip (Windows): a custom boot screen maker and a clip converter. Both need Python; the INSTALL file explains.
  • Tested on one unit so far. Flash at your own risk.

Q&A

Is it really free?

Yes. If it helps your shoots, buying gear through the links on this page is the best way to support it.

Does it work on the PowerPlay from Amazon?

Not yet. The PowerPlays on Amazon are the black version, which runs different firmware. Don't flash this build on it. I'm testing a version for it now; follow @tylercaseyprod to hear when it's out.

Can it brick my PowerPlay?

It uses the same update process as an official release. The real risk is the battery dying mid-update, so charge it first. If anything feels off, flash the official ImmersionRC firmware and you're back to factory.

Something broke. Where do I report it?

DM me on Instagram @tylercaseyprod with your camera model and what happened. A phone video of the screen helps a lot.